Kaolin is a white clay that has multiple uses in different sectors and industries.It presentsunique characteristicscompared to other types of clay, becoming an ideal raw material for creatingpaintings, manufacturing ceramic items, or even adding to cosmetic products.If you are interested in knowing what the uses of Kaolin are, stay in this article.

What is white kaolin clay?

First of all, what is kaolin?White kaolin clayisa sedimentary rock composed primarily of clay minerals, such askaolinite.It is used in a wide variety of industrial applications, such as in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, rubber, paints, paper, refractories, pesticides, among others.It is also used in the food industry as an additive and in medicine as a substance to treat gastrointestinal problems.In addition, it is also used inagriculture as fertilizer and additivein phytosanitary products for insecticidal and pesticide use.You should keep in mind that depending on the type of use you intend to give it, you should look for the white kaolin clay in one place or another.This allows you to obtain guarantees that the use of kaolin is appropriate, especially if the final destination involves human health, such as its use as a food additive.At Bioky we recommend ensuring that the kaolin obtained presents all the necessary guarantees.

Characteristics and properties of kaolin

First of all, among its physical characteristics, we find that this clay iswhite, cream or beige in color.The higher its level of whiteness, the higher its purity and the lower the amount of other minerals in its composition.

It has a very soft texture and ultra-finegranulometry.This allows it to dissolve in water, as well as in other types of substances.In addition, it is aporousclay : it serves as a liquid absorbent.It is an odorlessmaterial, resistant to high temperatures andelectricallyinsulating .It is a mineral of low hardness.

It has aslightly acidic pH(just like that of the skin).This makes it useful in the preparation of cosmetics for the body, face and hair, whose most direct benefits are itspurifying and non-irritating properties. 

Depending on the use we are going to give it, the desiredpropertiesof kaolin may be different.In this case, we have presented the characteristics of this white clay in general terms, which can be extrapolated to all sectors susceptible to the use of this mineral.

What is kaolin used for?Uses ofkaolinite

We can summarize the uses of kaolin in 4 large groups: industrial, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.

The uses of white kaolin in industry

It is the most important and where we find numerous applications.White kaolin serves as an input to produce a wide variety of products.It provides special characteristics to those items that have been manufactured with it.It is used in themanufacture of paper, which gives softness and shine to the surface.It is widely used in theceramics sector, especially in the production of bathroom items, tiles and tableware.

When added topaint, it serves as a dilator, reducing pigment needs and optimizing available resources.Theconstruction sectorhas also found advantages in the use of kaolin for the production of pavements, bricks, etc.In addition, it improves the adhesion of components, such as cement, sand and gravel.Due to its insulating properties, it is used in the manufacture ofelectrical material and rubber. 

Kaolin in cosmetics

The benefits of kaolin for applying to the skin or hair have placed it in an important place when it comes to recognizing theraw materialsthat make up cosmetic products.It is used both at theproductive level and at the domestic level.That is, it is used as an input to create facial masks, creams, soaps, toothpastes, etc.It is very beneficial for sensitive skin as it prevents and calms redness.It helps cell regeneration, softens the skin, and gently exfoliates.

On the other hand, we can acquirepure kaolin powderto make natural cosmetics at home.Anyone who has knowledge of making soaps, creams and other artisanal personal hygiene products should know kaolin.There are multiple benefits for the skin and it has traditionally been used to make purifying masks with exfoliating and cleansing properties.

As an example, we can make kaolin facial masks by simply adding a little water to the clay until we obtain a mixture that adheres to our skin.We let it act for a few minutes and clean.In this videoyou can see an example of a handmade facial mask made from kaolin.

Pharmaceutical use of kaolin

What is kaolin used for in the pharmaceutical sector?Another of its applications is as acomponent for some pharmaceutical treatments.It is used for the manufacture of antacids, products with astringent properties, stomach protectors and others for the treatment ofskin conditions.For example, thanks to its soothing properties, the pharmaceutical industry has found kaolin useful in treating insect bites or relaxing the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Kaolin for plants

The use of kaolin in agriculture is also widely recognized thanks to its qualities as a thermal protector and insect repellent, especially against aerial pests such as whiteflies.Among its beneficial characteristics for plants we find:

• Repels andprevents insectsfrom being attracted to the fruits of plants.
• Protects against the sun's rays.When a thin layer is applied to the plants, it reflects the sun's rays, preventing burns in times of drought and intense heat.
• Helpsretain waterin the soil.It can be used as a soil amendment, as it corrects deficiencies and improves nutrient retention.
• Creates aphysical barrier that protects crops.It can also be used as a preventative when protecting crops and plants from fungal diseases, as it prevents them from adhering to the surface.

Where should I buy white kaolin clay?

Once we make sure that it is the white kaolin clay that we need, we must inspect itslevel of purity and previous treatment.Depending on the extraction method and its subsequent handling, we may find kaolinsuitable or not suitable for certain uses. 

As an example, we can findcalcinedkaolin on the market .This type of kaolin has been subjected to high temperatures, modifying its initial molecular structure.This type of treatment serves to enhance some of the properties that are already found naturally in white clay.Its use is mainly intended for theindustrial sector,since it increases its refractory, absorbent and heat-resistant properties.On the other hand, it is not intended for the rest of the uses that we have indicated throughout this article.

In short, you should keep in mind that you can findkaolin of different types.In the store you can find out aboutWhite Kaolin Clay, especially for agricultural use.It has a high level of purity and a very fine grain.Have you ever tried kaolin in any of the uses described?